so today my superintendent (i'm a teacher) told me that he won't be renewing my contract for next year. so i have to start the job hunt again. it's not exactly like getting fired, but damn it sure feels like it. i don't even know where to start now. ugh. i have never felt so worthless.

My wife, son and daughter in law are teachers and although they haven't ever received those pink slips they have many friends that have...for the most part they all have been hired back...hang in there!

You are not worthless, keep positive, another job will be on the horizon.
My daughter was one of 800 to get a layoff notice here in Vancouver, luckily I'm in my 16th year and won't be layed off. Tough times.

Thank you all so much. I teach at a small parochial school so budget has always been a concern. but, and I'm not trying to get my hopes up too high here, I jumped online as soon as I calmed down from the initial shock and there's an opening for my same position at a much larger parochial school in my city that just opened today. I can't help but think this is some sort of sign or nudge in the right direction. I plan on assembling my application and resume and sending it tomorrow.

Yes! Absolutely! You may find that this was exactly meant to be! Just know that the best teachers out there get pink slips all the time....it happened to me and I felt like someone punched me in the stomach...it really did feel like I was being fired...but you know what? Things turned around and everything worked and I'm sure it will for you too.

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First goal: under 180:
Second goal: 175 or below:
Third goal: 168 (no longer overweight):
Fourth goal: 160 or below:
Final goal: 145-155 (not sure if this will ever happen):

YOU are not worthless! You are just in a time period where people aren't funding and focusing on supporting education as much as they should.

Focus on you and your passions! maybe this will be motivation to find a better job, or become self-employed, or go back to school, etc.

Here is a big hug from me---it can be so hard when things like this happen, but everything happens for a reason, as they say, and there is something better out there for you. Of course, you can't see it now because of all of the emotions involved, but later it will be more evident.

Be strong, make time for you, stock up on sugar-free treats so if the urge hits, etc.

(((Kathryn))) I know the feeling, having experienced redundancy myself. I agree with what everyonehas already said about tough times, although this won`t help a lot if it`s yourself who is affected.:-(

Just remember it's because of economics, and not because you personally are "worthless." Everything else has been said, but I'm sure one can never receive too many of those. Best wishes, and God bless.